SiO/sub 2/ micro-particles obtained in plasma jet

An experimental device for producing argon plasma jet was developed. Chamotte wastes were melted in the plasma jet, at temperatures of 1500 K and velocities up to 800 m/spl middot/s/sup -1/. SiO/sub 2/ particles with dimensions between 20 /spl mu/m and 66 /spl mu/m, were obtained through the pulverization of the melt followed by its solidification. The elaborated theoretical model verifies with good precision the experimental values obtained for the particle diameter.